Courses required to meet graduation requirements in this curriculum are offered during day hours only. Some general education courses are offered at night. Minimum time for completion: seven semesters. The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded graduates of this curriculum.

The Dental Hygiene curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community.

Students will learn to prepare the operatory, take patient histories, note abnormalities, plan care, teach oral hygiene, clean teeth, take x-rays, apply preventive agents, complete necessary chart entries, and perform other procedures related to dental hygiene care.

Graduates of this program may be eligible to take national and state/regional examinations for licensure which are required to practice dental hygiene. Employment opportunities include dental offices, clinics, schools, public health agencies, industry, and professional education.

Criminal Background Check/Drug Screening - Criminal background checks, drug testing, and certain immunizations/vaccines are required for students to participate in some external rotations.  Students are required to complete a criminal background check when applying for the North Carolina Dental Hygiene license.